The brakes are the single most important safety feature in any car, so you should always contact your Ford dealer ASAP when you need a brake repair. To make sure you always contact the dealer promptly when something is wrong, it’s a good idea to learn the signs that your brakes need some attention.
Signs Your Brake Pads Need to Be Changed
The brake pads need to be changed periodically, though how frequently yours will need to be changed depends on several factors. There are several signs the pads need to be changed, and they’re typically easy to recognize. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Brake pedal has no resistance or feels soft
- Squealing or grinding sound when you brake
- Vibration when you brake
- Brake pad indicator light comes on
- The vehicle starts to pull to one side or another
1. The Brake Pedal Has No Resistance
When you don’t feel resistance when you apply the brake pedal, it means there’s a problem with your vehicle. If you activate the parking brake and don’t feel any resistance while doing that, either, then it also means there’s a problem. Often, a lack of resistance when you apply the brakes indicates a brake fluid leak or an air leak in one of the brake hoses.
2. The Brake Pedal Makes a Squealing or Grinding Sound
There are several reasons why a brake might squeal – dust can sometimes get in the pads, for example. But if the squealing is loud and occurs regularly every time you step on the brakes, or worse, you hear (or feel) a grinding when you step on the brakes, it could be a sign your brakes are critically low.
3. The Car Vibrates When You Brake
Vibration isn’t just a symptom of having worn-out brake pads. It can also be a sign that your brake pads can’t grab the rotors’ surface evenly due to warped rotors. The vibration will happen during regular braking and not just panic braking, but the vibration may feel similar to the vibration caused by anti-lock braking during emergency stops.
4. The Brake Pad Indicator Lights Up
If you see a dash indicator light up that indicates your brakes are low, this is a definite sign it’s time to get them checked. Many new cars have a sensor that triggers such an indicator and when you see it, you should never ignore it.
5. The Vehicle Is Pulling
Your car may sometimes pull to one side when you apply the brakes. This is a sign that your brake linings are not wearing down evenly, so you need a brake adjustment as soon as possible. Sometimes foreign matter in the brake fluid can also cause your vehicle to pull to one side when you hit the brakes, so make sure you stay on top of your fluid changes.
Pay a visit to Auffenberg Ford, Inc. in Belleville, IL when your brakes are having problems. Be sure to stop by for regular brake service such as fluid changes and brake pad replacements, too.
